High River flood victims to get fast-tracked inspections

Flood victims in the hardest-hit part of High River heard from provincial officials on Tuesday that inspectors will soon determine whether specific properties should be fixed or demolished.

• Premier estimates Alberta flood costs to top $5B

In a closed-door meeting with residents ofHampton Hills, Alberta government officials promised inspections and decisions will be sped up.

The goal is to have all the properties in the community classified within two weeks, residents were told.

Rick Fraser, the associate minister for regional recovery, said homes that are uninhabitable because of mould damage or structural deficiencies will be demolished and rebuilt.

Home renovation expert Mike Holmes was at the meeting, stepping in to mediate during the sometimes tense exchanges between homeowners and government officials.

"Im glad I was here because I think maybe I was able to help with the calming of the homeowners and maybe help clarify some of the things I know in the construction world," he said.

Sarah Bruinsma paid for her own home inspection, which found it cannot be salvaged. Now she's hoping the province will reach the same conclusion.

• Listen to her interview on The Homestretch:

"That government assessment will be the last assessment as to whether our homes are rebuilt or remediated," she said.

"We have proof right here that our homes cannot be remediated. So we're hopeful that the government's going to find that."